MPFD offers heating season fire prevention tips, home inspections for residents in need

By Martine Wolfe-Miller, PIO

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (January 4, 2010) – As the weather turns to colder temperatures this week, Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails and Mount Pleasant Fire Chief Herb Williams have highlighted a series of steps residents can take to stay warm and safe in their home.
“Used improperly, a space heater can be the most dangerous appliance in your home. Fireplaces are also of concern during the heating season. Remember, you're deliberately bringing fire into your home, respect it,” said Mayor Swails. “It is essential to implement the following fire prevention tips to remain safe in your house. The Mount Pleasant Fire Department will be glad to come to your home and inspect your space heater, furnace or fireplace for proper usage. For those in need of additional help, we will provide contacts that could be used to secure help in heating your home.”

FURNACE/SPACE HEATERS
• Install and maintain heating equipment correctly. Have your furnace inspected by a professional prior to the start of every heating season.
• Don't store newspapers, rags, or other combustible materials near a furnace, hot water heater, space heater, etc.
• Don't leave space heaters operating when you're not in the room.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that might burn, including the wall.
• Don't use extension cords with electrical space heaters. The high amount of current they require could melt the cord and start a fire.
• When lighting a gas space heater, strike your match first, then turn on the gas.
• Never use a gas range as a substitute for a furnace or space heater.

FIREPLACE
• Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from flying.
• Don't store newspapers, kindling, or matches near the fireplace or have an exposed rug or wooden floor right in front of the fireplace.
• Have your chimney inspected by a professional prior to the start of every heating season and cleaned to remove combustible creosote build-up if necessary.
• Install a chimney spark arrester to prevent roof fires.
• When lighting a gas fireplace, strike your match first, then turn on the gas.
For more information on how to schedule an inspection in your home, contact Fire Marshal Alton Tyler at (843) 884-0623.